Pangasinan Wins National Award for Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program, Aims to Expand Reach

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has been named the national grand winner for outstanding implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program under the local government unit (LGU) category, benefitting some 2,500 farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations from 2022 to 2024.

The award was formally conferred June 27, 2025 in a ceremony to be held in Nueva Ecija.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya, in an interview Wednesday, said the award reflects the province’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector. While the exact amount of the cash prize remains unknown, Moya said it will be earmarked for agricultural development.

“We have requested that it will be placed in the trust fund for agriculture development. We hope to purchase transport vehicles or build storage facilities depending on the amount,” she said.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative serves as a direct marketing platform that links local producers to consumers. From 2022 to 2024, Pangasinan conducted 97 Kadiwa-related events, including regular twice-a-month markets at the capitol grounds in Lingayen and monthly “Kadiwa on Wheels” in 11 other towns.

The events generated PHP20 million in gross sales. Consumers are estimated to have saved around PHP4.45 million by purchasing directly from local producers.

Moya shared that the program had a transformative effect on many participants.

“In the evaluation, they revealed life-changing experiences. Some were able to construct their houses, send their children to school, or buy a second-hand car. Others met buyers who now order from them regularly. Some products were even exported,” she said.

Due to its success, more groups have expressed interest in joining the program. However, Moya noted that applicants undergo a vetting process to ensure they are legitimate farmers or fisherfolk and that their products meet quality standards.

The provincial government, in coordination with local LGUs, plans to scale up the program further in the coming years to provide more opportunities for local producers and to sustain the economic impact of the initiative.